Barks and Bites: Pet Adoption and Flan Making with Jessica Welsh

Walking my dog has always been a cherished ritual, a time for reflection and unexpected encounters. On one such walk, I had the pleasure of joining Jessica Walsh from Bring a Flan, and together with our dogs, we meandered through the ups and downs of pet adoption. From the socialization triumphs of former street dogs like Eddie to the harrowing battle with health issues such as heartworm, our conversation is steeped in the raw, joyous challenges of pet parenthood. We navigate the complexities of caring for a furry family member with anecdotes of our own experiences, empathy for those who've faced tough decisions, and laughter as our dogs lavish us with unabashed affection. 

 

The scent of caramelizing sugar often brings back memories of family gatherings and simple pleasures like a perfectly crafted flan. In this stroll through the culinary landscape, Jessica and I unfold the secrets to a flawless flan, celebrating the alchemy of eggs and milk and the subtle art of balancing flavors. The discussion takes a sweet turn as we unveil a pet-friendly flan recipe that's a hit with four-legged gourmands. We share insights into the transition from maker to mentor in the flan world, the cultural tapestry it weaves in Miami, and the personal stamp one can leave on this classic dessert by experimenting with different milks. 

 

As the journey with our dogs and dessert concludes, we're beckoned down memory lane, reminiscing about the four-legged friends that have sprinted through our lives with wagging tails and boundless love. Stories of family dogs, from the loyal beagle of childhood to the spirited Jack Russell of young adulthood, bring laughter and the occasional tear. We acknowledge the growth in our understanding of pet needs, from past missteps to present-day wisdom, and the indelible mark these companions leave on our souls. So join us, leash in one hand and dessert spoon in the other, for an episode that's a celebration of the sweet bond we share with our pets and the flavors that make life a little richer.

 

Want to know more about Jessica and Gringa Flan

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Gringa Flan's Dog Recipe

 

3 Cans of Evaporated Milk

7 Eggs

1 Cup Pumpkin Puree

6 Tbsp Peanut Butter 

1 ½ Teaspoon Salt 

1 Tsp Vanilla

1 ½ Tsp Cinnamon

 

Mix together eggs, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon until well incorporated. Then, add milk.

 

Pour the filling into your bake-safe container.

 

Transfer the container to a water bath. The water bath is essential for even baking.

 

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the mixture jiggles slightly. 

 

Allow it to cool, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill.

 

Let the pups enjoy!

 

Timestamps

(00:00) - Exploring Pet Ownership With Dogs

(10:16) - Flan Recipe Tips and Discussion

(23:07) - Flan Making and Recipe Sharing

(32:43) - Family Memories and Beloved Dogs